Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
What is a posterior cervical decompression and fusion?
Posterior cervical decompression and fusion is a surgery performed from the back of the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Bone or tissue that is compressing the nerves is removed (“decompression”) and instrumentation is placed to stabilize the spine (“fusion”). Over time, the treated segments of the spine form into one solid piece. This procedure is often recommended for patients with spinal stenosis, arthritis, herniated discs, or instability in the cervical spine.
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A patient may be a candidate for posterior cervical decompression and fusion if they have conditions in the neck that cause significant spinal cord or nerve compression and are not improving with non-surgical treatments. This includes problems such as cervical spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments that lead to spinal cord pressure (myelopathy) or nerve root compression (radiculopathy). Candidates often experience symptoms like neck pain, arm pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty with balance, or loss of hand coordination. The procedure is also considered for patients with spinal instability, deformities such as kyphosis, or after trauma, infection, or tumor removal when stabilization is needed.
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A posterior cervical decompression and fusion is performed through an incision in the back of the neck. First, Dr. B exposes the affected vertebrae and performs the decompression by removing bone (lamina), thickened ligaments, or other tissue that is pressing on the spinal cord and nerves. This creates more space for the spinal cord and nerve roots, helping to relieve pressure. Once the decompression is complete, Dr. B then stabilizes the spine by placing screws, rods, and bone graft to hold the spine in proper alignment while the vertebrae fuses together into one solid piece over time.
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The advantages of a posterior cervical decompression and fusion include:
Relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which can improve symptoms such as neck pain, arm pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty with balance or coordination.
Stabilizes the cervical spine, preventing abnormal motion between vertebrae that could worsen symptoms or cause further damage.
Helps correct spinal deformities, such as cervical kyphosis, by restoring proper alignment.
Prevents progression of spinal cord compression (myelopathy), which can otherwise lead to permanent neurological deficits.
Provides durable results, as the fusion creates a solid segment of bone that reduces the likelihood of recurrent instability at the treated levels.
Improves overall function and quality of life by potentially allowing patients to regain strength, mobility, and independence once recovery is complete.
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Please refer to our Patient Education Booklet for detailed information.
Disclaimer: All materials presented on this website are the opinions of Dr. Patawut “Pat” Bovonratwet, or Dr. B, and any guest writers, and should not be construed as medical advice. Each patient’s specific condition is different, and a comprehensive medical assessment requires a full medical history, physical exam, and review of diagnostic imaging. If you would like to seek the opinion of Dr. B for your specific case, we recommend contacting our office to make an appointment.